In need of an update...

[Blizzau]

Howdy, folks.

 

I've been in Japan for the last month, and although the coverage over there was great of Japanese MLB ballplayers (I probably saw ever pitch of every Ichiro or Fukudome at bat), I wasn't really able to follow the Cubs.

 

Could you give me the highlights and low-lights from the last month or so? I know that we got Harden and that Murton and Gallagher left. Sounds like we finally sold high with someone (that would be Gallagher, obviously). Sean's dad, we hope you'll still stick around on this site.

 

Anyway...

 

Who's been better than expected? Worse?

Any additional trade speculation prior to the deadline?

Any significant injuries?

How did the Cubs do in the All-Star game?

 

Thanks for any info! I realize that some of this has probably been posted in multiple areas, but since time and internet access are currently an issue, I'd appreciate a brief summary of whatever you may deem important about the last month of Cubbie action.

 

Thanks!

 

By the way, if you ever get the chance to watch a ballgame in Japan, do it! What a riot.

[Schwarber Fan]

Who's been better than expected?

 

Theriot, Dempster, and Jim Edmonds (we signed him in mid May, btw)

 

Worse?

 

No one really, sometimes Lilly and Fukudome lately. Marmol has also struggled (probably due to his overuse)

 

Any additional trade speculation prior to the deadline?

 

Since we got Harden already, not really. There have been rumblings about Fuentes for a BP arm.

 

Any significant injuries?

 

Yes. Soriano is in his 2nd stint on the DL in 2008. He's aiming to return next Thursday.

 

How did the Cubs do in the All-Star game?

 

Fukudome and Soto both went 0-2. Ramirez drew a walk in his 1 AB and was lifted for Christian Guzman :roll: . Zambrano pitched 2 scoreless innings and picked off Ichiro. Marmol and Dempster pitched scoreless innings as well. Wood/Soriano did not play due to a injures. AL won 5-4 in 15 innings.

 

Thanks for any info! I realize that some of this has probably been posted in multiple areas, but since time and internet access are currently an issue, I'd appreciate a brief summary of whatever you may deem important about the last month of Cubbie action.

 

Overall, the Cubs have played far beyond expectations this season, but have struggled lately, and their road play is worrying everyone right now. The Cubs sit 2 games ahead of the Cards and 3 ahead of the Brewers.

 

I think I covered it all. ;)

[BCVM22]

Zambrano pitched 2 scoreless innings and picked off Ichiro. AL won 5-4 in 15 innings.

 

Z picked off Milton Bradley. Final score was 4-3.

[Schwarber Fan]

Zambrano pitched 2 scoreless innings and picked off Ichiro. AL won 5-4 in 15 innings.

 

Z picked off Milton Bradley. Final score was 4-3.

 

Oh thanks

 

I remember Ichiro getting a single so I assumed he was the one picked off.

 

But you're correct.

 

PO: Bradley (1st base by Zambrano).

[rawaction]

Zambrano pitched 2 scoreless innings and picked off Ichiro. AL won 5-4 in 15 innings.

 

Z picked off Milton Bradley. Final score was 4-3.

 

Oh thanks

 

I remember Ichiro getting a single so I assumed he was the one picked off.

 

But you're correct.

 

PO: Bradley (1st base by Zambrano).

 

He got Jeter to GIDP on the first pitch which was pretty satisfying.

[sherwood921]

The Brewers also traded LaPorta and a couple other prospects for Sabathia.

[Blizzau]

Thanks for the updates, guys/gals!

 

Sebathia to the Brewers sounds kind of scary. Let's hope we keep progressing and roll forward once Soriano and Wood come back...

[haubrich91]

Zambrano also struck out A-Rod. 8-)

[SouthSideRyan]

Zambrano pitched 2 scoreless innings and picked off Ichiro. AL won 5-4 in 15 innings.

 

Z picked off Milton Bradley. Final score was 4-3.

 

It was the greatest all star game I've ever seen(I'm 24)